24TH ANNUAL STEP UP FOR PARKINSON’S WALK AT BAKER PARK IN NAPLES

Saturday, February 11, 2023, Supporting programs to help our community members live well with PD

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida’s (PASWFL) 24th Annual Walk will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 9:00 am-Noon at Baker Park in Naples. Step Up for Parkinson’s raises awareness and funds that directly benefit more than 7,000 members of our community who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Collier County, and southern Lee County. PD affects over one million Americans and is the second-most common degenerative neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. There is no cure for PD and someone is diagnosed with PD every nine seconds. Registration is $25 per person before January 9, 2023, $30 online after that date, $35 the day of the event, $10 for children under 12 years, and $5 for furry friends (pets). Registration for the walk includes a t-shirt, music, valet parking, and much more. Tickets are available at parkinsonassociationswfl.org.

Ron & Marje Sulewski

“The event attracts hundreds of supporters who walk for those who are losing that ability because they are affected by a disease that is associated with a progressive loss of motor control,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, CFRE, Executive Director of the PASWFL. “Our organization is the front-line resource for our community members diagnosed with PD, neurodegenerative diseases, and their care partners. We provide movement, speech, music, and support sessions because research shows that a proactive approach to managing PD during the early stages significantly prolongs a person with PD’s ability to stay active and counteract some of the degenerative effects of PD.”

Based on current statistics from the U.S. Census and studies by the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Southwest Florida has one of the largest PD populations in the country, creating a growing demand for the organization’s programs. The services and support the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida provides are complimentary to members with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners. These programs are offered without government funding and are made possible through donations from community members and fundraising special events. The 24th annual walk on February 11, 2023, is supports the critical services provided by the PASWF.

Sandy Garrett, Brad & Beth Poorman, Bill Garrett seated

For twenty-five years, PASWFL has provided front-line evidence-based, effective programs and services that improve the quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower our community members affected by PD and related neurological diseases. Each week the PAWSFL offers more than 20 activities for members with PD and their care partners as well as the greater SWFL community. There are no fees associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org.

The event is sponsored by BrightStar Care

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Mary C. Schoeffel with any questions at MSchoeffel@ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or 239-417-3465

For more information, visit ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org or call 239-417-3465. Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Building 300, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.

 FEATURED PHOTO: Scott and Joan Hathaway

IN CASE YOU GO

WHAT: 24th Annual “Step up for Parkinson’s Walk”

WHERE: Baker Park, 100 Riverside Circle, Naples, FL 34102

WHEN:  Saturday, February 11, 2022, Registration at 9:00 am, Walk at 10:00 am

WHO: Presented by and benefitting the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida

COST: Registration is $25 per person before January 9, 2023, $30 online after that date, $35 the day of the event, $10 for children under 12 years, and $5 for furry friends (pets).

Registration for the walk includes a t-shirt, music, valet parking, and much more.

INFORMATION: ParkinsonAssociationSWFL.org (239) 417-3465

If you would like more information or high-resolution images, please contact Patrice Shields at shieldscreative@gmail.com.